Baird has an integrated Consumer platform and serves clients through its Equity Research, Trading and Global Investment Banking businesses. Its Global Consumer Investment Banking team is one of the most experienced advisors in the middle market, with more than 142 years of collective experience in the industry. Advising a range of clients including Black Diamond, Bushnell, CamelBak, Helly Hansen, Implus, Louisville Slugger and prAna, among others, Baird has completed more than 110 Consumer M&A and Equity transactions in the sector since 2010, worth in aggregate of more than $28 billion.

“Baird has long been a major player in our industry. They have proven experience in retail, branded apparel, hard goods, outdoor products and footwear segments. “With the changing landscape of the sports & fitness industry, our partnership with Baird will provide SFIA members with access to a variety of best-in-class financial services and advice to meet their evolving needs,” said Tom Cove, SFIA President and CEO.

“Baird is very excited to begin this partnership with SFIA,” said Matthew Tingler, a Director in Baird’s Global Consumer Investment Banking team. “The sports & fitness industry is experiencing a lot of change, presenting the retailers, manufacturers and marketers in the space with new opportunities, but also a need for helpful, trustworthy advice. Through this partnership, Baird hopes it can add its expertise and experience to the wealth of resources that the association provides its members. We want to add to the ongoing dialogue on all the important issues facing the industry.”

The SFIA Corporate Partner Program is a collaborative effort between SFIA and up to 15 corporate entities that have demonstrated a leadership role within the sports and fitness industry. The program creates a bridge between industry professionals and the companies most closely connected and committed to serving the sports and fitness industry. The monetary commitments made by these select Corporate Program Partners support the broad range of member services and professional development programs created, funded and offered by SFIA to its members.

Baird’s Silver Partnership will be highlighted at SFIA signature thought leadership events, including the 2015 SFIA Industry Leaders Summit that will be held September 9-10 at the Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans. Baird will also serve as an industry expert for the SFIA Webinar Series.

About SFIA The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports and fitness product industry. SFIA’s membership represents 500+ premier brands who account for more than $150 billion in annual sales. As the number one source for sport and fitness research, the SFIA serves as the voice of the sports and fitness industry in the media and on Capitol Hill. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.

About BairdBaird is a leading global investment bank focused on the middle market. Approximately 250 investment banking professionals in the U.S., Europe and Asia provide corporations, entrepreneurs, private equity and venture capital firms with in-depth market knowledge and extensive experience in merger and acquisition, debt advisory and equity financing transactions. Since 2010, Baird has completed 354 advisory transactions representing more than $90 billion in transaction value and 523 financings raising $144 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked No. 5 on FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2015 – its 12th consecutive year on the list. To learn more about Baird and our Consumer platform, visit consumer.rwbaird.com.